Betty Lauer
Member since 1999
Upon meeting Betty Lauer, one can’t help being drawn to her. She is gracious and genuine. She is thoughtful and inquisitive. And her warm manner reflects an air of self-assurance that puts others at ease. Most of our members know or recognize Betty because she has been part of the CCBA for over 20 years. Now 96 years old, she still attends group fitness classes three days a week.
A devoted skier, swimmer, and tennis player throughout her life, Betty has always made physical fitness a priority. She emigrated to the U.S. from war-torn Germany in December, 1946, and she and her husband settled in White Plains, NY. They spent many winter weekends skiing at Stowe, and they chose the Upper Valley as a place to retire because of the active, outdoor lifestyle, the access to DHMC, and the proximity to world-class cultural events at Dartmouth College.
Betty has explored other fitness centers in the area, but she has stuck with the CCBA because of the expert staff and strong sense of community here. “The instructors are all excellent,” she explains, “and the people at the Front Desk are always so warm and welcoming.” She also appreciates the recent physical upgrades to the facility that make visits to the CCBA even more pleasant and comfortable. Over the years, Betty has cultivated close friendships here, and she appreciates the vast array of fitness options that we offer. These days, group exercise classes are her main focus with her current favorite being “Fab, Fit, and Fun,” an upbeat, full-body workout that meets on Tuesday mornings.
Betty admits to slowing down a bit now that she is in her late-90s! “I skied until I was 85,” she said, “but one day I discovered that my balance was gone, so I gave it up.” Nowadays, she enjoys taking long walks with friends in addition to doing the structured workouts at the CCBA. “All of my walking partners are younger than I am,” she muses, “but they’re patient with me, and we take our time!” We are proud to claim Betty as one of our own; she inspires us and so many others with her dedication and discipline. And she has no plans to stop exercising and visiting with friends here. As she puts it, “As long as I can still drive myself to class, I’ll be there!”